Variations symphoniques

César Franck’s Variations symphoniques (Symphonic Variations) for piano and orchestra, written in 1885, occupies a niche all its own. Shorter than a concerto, but more than just a set of variations, it entices the listener into an unusual world of continual transformations. Virtuosic without being flashy, introverted without being heavy, it also challenges its performers to strike a fine balance. It was immensely popular earlier in the 20th century, and has continued to enjoy frequent airings thanks to a celebrated 1946 ballet by the choreographer Frederick Ashton. Its central theme is in two parts, beginning with a declamatory exchange between terse orchestra and responsive piano—likely inspired by the second movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4—and followed by a lilting melody on woodwind and pizzicato strings. Episodes ensue that include a rugged piano solo, a slow sicilienne, a stormy passage full of jagged chords and pounding octaves, and a brooding intermezzo with flowing piano accompaniment. Finally, there arrives a sparkling incarnation in the major, a lyrical cadenza and a joyous conclusion.